ECJ UNILEVER
October 1st, 2003
BY KEITH NUTHALLRETAILERS cannot be forced to stock a food or drink brand in freezers or fridges, even when they are lent for free by a food manufacturer, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled. It found against Unilever, (acting for Van den Bergh Foods, previously HB foods), which is arguing for the legality of "exclusivity" contracts. The case dates to 1989, when HB foods provided and maintained freezer cabinets for Irish ice-cream retailers free of charge, provided they only chilled HB's ice creams. However, that year many retailers used them to stock ...
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